Martha Stewart Amaro Spritz

Martha Stewart Amaro Spritz takes 5 minutes and just 4 ingredients, amaro, tonic water, lemon juice and a lemon slice, to make a bubbly, bittersweet summer cocktail. Save this easy low-alcohol spritz for summer patios, backyard cookouts or brunch with friends, because it's quick and needs no shaker.

Stir the spritz gently once the tonic goes in, because rough stirring knocks out the bubbles that make it feel light. Skip that care and you get a flat, syrupy drink instead of a crisp one.

Martha uses tonic water instead of the usual prosecco and soda, which keeps the alcohol low and adds a faint quinine bitterness. Fresh lemon juice and a lemon slice replace the classic orange, so the drink tastes brighter and less sweet.

Martha Stewart Amaro Spritz

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Course: BeverageCuisine: American, ItalianDifficulty: Easy

Servings

1

servings

Prep time

5

minutes

Cooking timeminutes

Calories

120

kcal

Amaro, tonic water and fresh lemon juice come together over ice in a single glass with no shaking. It drinks crisp, bubbly and lightly bitter, with a bright citrus finish.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 ounces amaro, such as Aperol or Campari
  

• 4 ounces tonic water
  

• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, plus a lemon slice for garnish
  

• Lemon slice for garnish
  

Directions

• Fill the glass: Fill a glass with ice. Use plenty so the drink stays cold while you sip.
• Pour the amaro: Pour 1 1/2 ounces amaro over the ice, using Aperol or Campari. Aperol tastes sweeter, so pick the one you like best.
• Top with tonic: Top the glass with 4 ounces tonic water, then add 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice. The tonic gives you the bubbles, so pour it slowly.
• Garnish and stir: Add a lemon slice to the glass, then give everything a quick stir. Serve the spritz immediately, while it's still fizzy.

Tools for this recipe

• OXO steel double jigger, Zulay metal lemon squeezer, Tvmania silicone ice cube trays with lids, set of 2. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

FAQs

Should I use Aperol or Campari?

Aperol is sweeter and lighter, while Campari is more bitter and bold. If Campari feels too bitter and Aperol too sweet, Martha suggests using equal parts of each in the same glass.

What can I use for a more herbal flavor?

Swap the Campari or Aperol for Liquore delle Sirene Aperitivo Americano Rosso, which tastes more herbal. It costs around $35 a bottle, so it's worth trying when you want something different.

Can I make Amaro Spritz ahead of time?

I wouldn't mix the finished drink in advance, because the tonic goes flat within minutes. You can measure the amaro and lemon juice into glasses ahead, then add ice and tonic just before serving.

Can I use prosecco instead of tonic water?

Yes, that's the classic Aperol Spritz, made with prosecco, soda water and an orange slice. It tastes drier and has more alcohol, while tonic keeps this version lighter and slightly bitter.

What's the most common mistake with a spritz?

Using too little ice is the biggest one, because the drink warms up and waters down fast. Fill the glass to the top and serve right away, since a warm spritz tastes flat.